At first glance, as I casually passed by Casa Freddy’s, 2216 North Portland Ave., it seemed like a ho-hum, by-the-book Anglicization of so many Mexican restaurants on the Northside—starting with the desert-landscaped patio that made the place look like a photoshoot for Arizona Highways magazine.
But, when my wife and I actually went into the restaurant, it became clear that this would be a real testament to the whole “judging a book by its cover” thing, because Casa Freddy’s had new-wave southwestern eatery vibes... but with an affordable Mexican taqueria-style menu that just wouldn't quit.